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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

An educational overview summarizing the characteristics, diagnosis, management, and evidence interpretation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

post-traumatic stress disorder · PTSD · combat neurosis · post-traumatic stress disorder · traumatic neurosis

MONDO:0005146Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · c214481d1b30

Disease category
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that occurs in some people after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Key mechanism
Onset may involve not only exposure to trauma but also genetic, neurobiological, and personal factors, as well as the post-event environment.
Main causes · related factors
Even after the trauma, persistent threat responses and heightened boundaries can lead to difficulties in regulating memory, emotion, and behavior.
Representative patterns
Representative manifestations appear in four domains: re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, excessive arousal/reactivity, and negative changes in cognition and mood.
Individual differences
Childhood trauma, lack of social support, prolonged duration of the event, additional stress, or a history of mental illness or substance use can increase the risk, and individual differences are large.
Diagnosis
Symptoms may begin immediately after the event or months or years later, and can persist for long periods, with repeated cycles of improvement and worsening.
Management
Diagnosis is centered on interviews and screening assessments by mental health professionals, synthesizing symptom types, duration, and functional impairment.
Treatment/Research Status
A definitive diagnosis cannot be made through specific blood tests or imaging tests alone, and differential diagnosis from depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and substance use is required.
Read Evidence
Management is conducted by considering psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy as needed, safety, sleep, social support, and comorbidity assessment together.
Key Precautions
Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are the main axes of treatment, and effectiveness and suitability vary depending on the symptoms and the individual.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a Glance

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that occurs in some people after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

Representative manifestations appear in four domains: re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance, excessive arousal/reactivity, and negative changes in cognition and mood.

How the disease works

Onset may involve not only exposure to trauma but also genetic, neurobiological, and personal factors, as well as the post-event environment.

Even after the trauma, persistent threat responses and heightened boundaries can lead to difficulties in regulating memory, emotion, and behavior.

Variations in presentation among individuals

Childhood trauma, lack of social support, prolonged duration of the event, additional stress, or a history of mental illness or substance use can increase the risk, and individual differences are large.

The broad framework of diagnosis and management

Symptoms may begin immediately after the event or months or years later, and can persist for long periods, with repeated cycles of improvement and worsening.

Diagnosis is centered on interviews and screening assessments by mental health professionals, synthesizing symptom types, duration, and functional impairment.

Current status of treatment

A definitive diagnosis cannot be made through specific blood tests or imaging tests alone, and differential diagnosis from depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and substance use is required.

Management is conducted by considering psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy as needed, safety, sleep, social support, and comorbidity assessment together.

Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are the main axes of treatment, and effectiveness and suitability vary depending on the symptoms and the individual.

How to read clinical trials

Clinical trial registration only shows the existence, design, and status of a study, and completed trials do not prove effectiveness or the adoption of standard treatment.

Points to verify during clinical consultations

In clinical practice, it is important to confirm the type and timing of trauma, current symptoms and functional impact, suicide risk and safety, sleep and substance use, support systems, and desired treatment.

Medical Guidance

This material is for educational purposes and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment guidelines.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.